My NEXUS/Global Entry application/approval/interview experience

As I recently completed the NEXUS process, I want to document it for those interested

What is NEXUS?

NEXUS is designed to expedite the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into Canada and the United States. The NEXUS fee is $50 (CAN or US). 

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/menu-eng.html

What is Global Entry? (free with NEXUS)

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Though intended for frequent international travelers, there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for the program. Participants may enter the United States by using automated kiosks located at select airports. 

http://www.globalentry.gov/faq.html 

NEXUS Timeline

Applied on GOES - May 23, 2012
My application is pretty basic, single citizenship, few foreign countries visited

Conditional approval - July 10, 2012 (6 weeks after submission)

Appointment at YYZ - July 14, 2012 (4 days after approval)

Interview Day
I arrived @ 3:40 today for my 4 pm appointment
Waited only 5-10 minutes, with about 3~4 people ahead of me
Finished Canadian NEXUS by 4 pm, and US side by 4:10 pm
I was shocked to finish in 30 minutes, wow... 

US Global Entry is effectively immediately while NEXUS can arrive in "2 weeks official time"

The NEXUS demo kiosk was out of service though

Tips 

• You should get email from GOES on any status change, but check online if you don't receive anything after 6 weeks 
• To get a better/earlier interview date, keep checking GOES website daily after you picked a date first. Initially I saw Oct 2012, then Aug, then late July and boom July 14th (4 days after my approval)
• On the day-of interview, you can arrive early and hope to get seen earlier. There's a sign-in sheet where you write your appointment & arrival time 
• NEXUS office is between Post G&H inside Terminal 1, or H18 counter exactly. As to where to park I wasn't sure, but aim for the big gap between T1 International & USA departures (see picture) 

Toronto Pearson Runway Run

Saturday June 13, 2009 was the 2009 Toronto Pearson Runway Run, to raise money for Credit Valley hospital foundation.

On Saturday, June 13, 2009, Toronto Pearson will open its Runway 06R-24L to two thousand members of the general public and airport community. Walking or running side-by-side with jets is an experience to remember.

It was a gorgeous day with sunshine and breeze, there were numerous aircrafts to be seen (A319, 727, CF-18, and many takeoffs and landings on the runway next door 6L). Our group (8 of us) all had great fun, and pledged over $100+ for the good cause


You can view the photos on Picasa, or Facebook (if you have been tagged)